NADx2 Marshall JCM800 & 3203

BFT Gibson

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Just finalized studio the other day. Last night email.."wanna trade the Mesa MK3 for 2 Marshalls ?" the pics came in..it was the only 2 amps left i ever could want. Kinda was stunned for a sec, when he said he left NYC this morning i was surprised. Very nice gentleman & we talked gear..nice meet & trade

1987 Marshall JCM800 2205 & 1988Marshall Artist 3203

Patiently waited for the right 2205, The normal side is so full & bluesy & gain side is the lead machine have been seeking..then back down & boost..its insanity..put it on the Orange HP k100's ..had a feeling about the match..its parked there forever now. It the match for that circuit. The amp is so strong that the cab tames & enhances it so well in the areas that can get tricky. First thing i did was dime the channel volumes & then M, absolutely can play this at super low level..so thinness..then bring that Master up..s much punch..the punch..the vlume brings up so much tonal goodness. This amp will make it hard on some others cause in the mini a/b ing so far..its just got it

3203. 3rd one, stupidly sold first 2. The lead after 8.5 gain is my fav lead tone ever. It is so easy t dial in with chan vol & MV & gain..kinda precise in a way..maybe cause at 30 watts its not s lud it kills ya but just sings. Clean chan is superb & its stoner rock city with solid front tube back. One of the better reverbs. JCM800 3203 hall.jpgJCM800 full rear.jpgJCM800 tube clse.jpgJCM800 tubes left.jpg3203 tubes.jpg
 
Nice, congratulations.

Man bro, you have a great collection of tones!
Thanks, had line up set until that email. think the 800 just threw a dagger right in the middle of it all. I have been messing with the 87/2204 ..always so close..this thing on normal is that big open NMV, ride the guitar knobs channel that i do a lot of..its full & then the gain is just right.
 
Thanks, had line upset until that email. think the 800 just threw a dagger right in the middle of it all. I have been messing with the 87/2204 ..always so close..this thing on normal is that big open NMV, ride the guitar knobs channel that i do a lot of..its full & then the gain is just right.
You should have pretty much the whole spectrum in your studio by now?

Nice when inspiration hits, you can voice it any way you see fit.

HNAD
 
Very cool! The Artist is a cool sleeper amp and a hybrid done right ( Valved power/ SS preamp, really dig those. The 2205 is a great amp as well and gave the original 2204 a big dose of hi gain with split channels and reverb, leading directly into the 900 series. Nice score!

As for your Mesa Mk3, my uncle had one of those ( a green stripe with simul-class) he got new back in 89 and had it until his death. Was a really cool amp and I honestly have no idea what happened to it, but i believe some scumbags he was associated with looted it from his apartment when he was in the hospital.
 
Very cool! The Artist is a cool sleeper amp and a hybrid done right ( Valved power/ SS preamp, really dig those. The 2205 is a great amp as well and gave the original 2204 a big dose of hi gain with split channels and reverb, leading directly into the 900 series. Nice score!

As for your Mesa Mk3, my uncle had one of those ( a green stripe with simul-class) he got new back in 89 and had it until his death. Was a really cool amp and I honestly have no idea what happened to it, but i believe some scumbags he was associated with looted it from his apartment when he was in the hospital.
That sucks if was stolen like that. the 3203 , dime the clean side & master, SG, neck pup, roll back tone..slam it with anything..outrageous stoner fuzz without that fizz out.. my poor wife last few hours..was lost in an age gone by for a few
 
This amp is killer. What i didn't see coming was just how soulful the normal channel is. Just a/b compared everything.. speakers are the the real make or break in amps do take the time & try em through all the cabs and playing them at intended levels..take those 2 things away & the amps will never have a chance to do what the designer made them for.

The amp excels on the k100's & then really has some personality for blues on greenbacks. I treat normal chan as non master & it has the fullness & that personalty

Came serviced just like the MK3 that was traded. Time to make some music again. Have some amps in the hall that are being sold or
 
Just realized , got these 2 heads for $600

2 summers ago, find a 1973 Fender Deluxe Reverb on CL in Pittsburgh. Sellers says he is in Baltimore the next weekend for a jam band festival, drive to Baltimore & purchase amp for 600

Past Sept. See the Mesa MK3 red Stripe for sale in Philly CL..ad says will trade for SF Fender. drive to King of Prussia & trade amps even up

Yesterday trade the MK3 for the 2 Marshall's
 
Noticed something in last 3 years.

The good Mesa-Fender-Marshall amps..the older or hyped on internet always get ya to the next tone you seeking in trades

Many of the buys that were done had some driving involved. Got some amps basically knowing they were were going to be trade bait latter. But sure did play-record & learn everything that amp could do..it actually helped me learn to play better & learn to shape tone cause each individual amp had a strength to exploit

The trades...when a gear nut snaps..like all the sudden a Marshall guy wants Fender or reverse or somebody gets the Boogie bug..there when the deals happen.

Another fender negotiation is happening for JCM800. All the Mesa & Fender amps that arnt going in studio are up for sale & the draw has been Marshall trade offers.

Thinking is..will move the bigger combos for Marshall heads to clear up the hall. If i didn't have a JMP50..this one guy wants 4 of my amps for his 1 owner 1977 JMP50 2 a/b cabs.
 
Under the mic for first time in 2021. Would think the 800 would bring on the heavies but fell for the normal channel, Running the Channel volume dimed it has an old school sound & attack. cause a more laid back inspiration..could really hear string definition or a clearness in the notes.

Wanted to capture some openness in the sound. Set the mics in 2 dif spots but pulled pack..not close mic. Really enjoying this new direction, put the bass a bit more up front for influence for first time in a long time. The V will prob be featured a bunch. The PAF Masters are fitting..use the neck a bunch & it responds to rhythm textures as you back off but still gets it dimed for pop thru when needed.
Been Around 800 V.jpg
 
Under the mic for first time in 2021. Would think the 800 would bring on the heavies but fell for the normal channel, Running the Channel volume dimed it has an old school sound & attack. cause a more laid back inspiration..could really hear string definition or a clearness in the notes.

Wanted to capture some openness in the sound. Set the mics in 2 dif spots but pulled pack..not close mic. Really enjoying this new direction, put the bass a bit more up front for influence for first time in a long time. The V will prob be featured a bunch. The PAF Masters are fitting..use the neck a bunch & it responds to rhythm textures as you back off but still gets it dimed for pop thru when needed.
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How you digging the two new Marshall's my friend?
 
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